vintageflyer

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I'm starting a build thread for the 20 size MK Skymaster.
I tried this a couple months ago, but I was using a dail up ISP. Trying to upload pics just took too much time. Now I think I'm ready...

The plane is unbelievable. The build follows the same "Katoish" techniques as the larger kits, just a whole lot smaller.
I plan to use a OS 25 VF and 20 size MK retracts for the plane.

Here's the plans

vintageflyer

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The engine craddle...


The first pic is just a dryfit. Then I glued everything with slow epoxy, drilled the rails for the engine, fit the tank, and mounted the nose gear. The header is a hatori.



David

vintageflyer

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A couple more with a little of my hand, you can get an idea how small this little guy is...

vintageflyer

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I ran down to our only hobby shop on the island for a C/F pushrod. wouldn't you know, they were all out.
I put one together using graphite and 1/16 balsa, 1/4" wide.
I laminated the balsa together with the graphite sandwiched between each peice. Then I wraped all 4 sides of the "stick" with more graphite.
Turned out nice and stiff, and quite light too. Just square and not round.
I staggered the points where the threaded rod join the square rod so I don't lose too much strength, and wrapped it with kevlar wicked with epoxy... Just as they did it back in the 80's. [8D]

vintageflyer

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When I built the fuse. Everything just fell right into place. I was having so much fun that I didn't take too many pics. It took just over an hour and I built it on my computer desk in my bedroom. I love these little airplanes!
I used Med Zap on everything, then I glued in the front craddle with slow epoxy. After that, the bocks get tacked on. The top turttle deck needs to set into place and I need to get a correct sized spinner ( the one on is just a little too big). Lookin like a plane!!
I'm going to start on the tail next so I can mount it up and start sanding!


DM

flywilly

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Looks Great - gotta love the quality of MK kits!
-Will B.

rainedave

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Very cool! I love it. I really like the smaller models and I've built a few scaled down Bridi designs. Keep the photos coming.

8178

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Looks really great! Please keep the photos coming.

Roguedog

Kool pics. Nide workj. I'm just getting back into this. I had a Kobra painted like a Baronaoski with a OS 28 fsr with a tuned pipe. Flew great. I just bought a OS Max 25 VF DX for my first MK style pattern ship. Where did you get the header for your OS? And what is the graphite stuff you are mentioning? Is it power or sheet material?

vintageflyer

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Roguedog

Thanks for the praises.
your copy for the plans sould be pretty reasonable. Theres only the one sheet, and the sheet is only one sided! I also have been copying the parts as I've been going along, so reproducing the parts would be as easy as possible. Here's a pic of the fuse parts.

The graphite I used came in 1/2" wide strips and I cut them as needed. I don't remember the thickness or gauge it is. It was the thinnest my LHS had, and it's supplied by Aerospace Composites. Mind you, I only did this because I didn't have a regular carbon fiber pushrod around. If I did, or if I could buy one, I surely would have gone in that direction.

DM

vintageflyer

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I actually lucked out with this kit roguedog. The header along with the 25VF, MK retracts and Mac tuned pipe, came with the plane!! I found it on ebay and got for just under $400! Not too bad considering it being a package deal.

DM

Roguedog

Vintageflyer,

You did luck out with that header. It is definitely one of a kind. Could not find one anywhere.

Roguedog

I just got my OS Max 25 VF. It wants and needs to be in a pattern ship. Won't shut up. Keeps talking and talking.

My 25 vf came with a short header pipe stub and all the original papers (circa 1986). Is there some kind of heat resistant hose you can buy to get the same S turn? I was looking online at the various makes of Tuned Pipes but didn't see the connecting hose.

vintageflyer

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Roguedog..
I did make a couple copies of the Skymaster plan and sent those to other modelers. I cant remember how much it came to.
A friend sent me a link to that other 20 size Skymaster that was up for auction. Something like $335 for the kit? That IS crazy. The kit is nice, but....I dunno. There is no clear canopy but there is a f/g one which is a lot easier to make, at least for me it is.
I'm sorry I haven't posted on the build lately. I'm side tracked with rebuilding the engine in my sailboat. Kinda an ASAP thing to pass my annual inspection.
Oh, about the pipe. I was talking to my friend who is doing the machine work on my engine and he says he can possibly make some for me. We'll see about that, right now he's busier than I am.

DM

rainedave

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You live in Hawaii and your big priority is your sailboat. Let me know if you ever get too fed up and want to trade places.

mmattockx

It's pretty rough what some people are forced to put up with, isn't it?

I'm in for a trade, too, if you want try some real winter for a change.[:-] We have finally got some decent weather after a brutal Febuary stretch and the snow has started melting... Don't know about everybody else, but this winter sucked for us. Hopefully, we have paid the bad weather bill and we now have credit built up for a beautiful spring and summer.


Mark

RCBuilder42yrs

Roguedog..

Mac's Products is still in business and if they don't list a Header for the .25 vf, I believe he still offers a "Custom Service" where you could possibly get a header made for the engine and your application. JFYI


http://www.macspro.com/

MK KITS

Hello,
How is the build going? i have just bought one of these kits and i am watching with great interest what you have to say.

vintageflyer

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MK Kits... Gotta love that name!
I have the Skymaster on hold right now. I am doing some repairs on my sailboat which is in need of a USCG certificate. I just log on to RCU every now and then to relax and see what everyone else is doing. I plan to start this up again next week. Sorry for the long delay guys.
Roguedog:
I do have an extra copy of the plans. Email me w/ your address and I'll send it out.


David
[email protected]

MK KITS

Does anyone have an OS 25 VF that they would part with? . . . . .manifold too if one is going that would suit the skymaster 20. I am wanting to start mine but will not until i have all that is required, the engine is the only thing remaining.

Roguedog

Thanks RCBuilder42yrs .

I have been building a custom utility cargo trialer, been taking all my spare time.
Took a break from it today to call Macs Products.

Anyway just talked to a guy a Macs Products says he can build it for $60 or $70.

He said I just need to get the 'inside center to center" rise dimension and rise angle.

Hey Vintageflyer think I could get those dimensions from you?

kcc

Hi,
I'm not sure this belongs in this thread, but I have an MK Curare 20 with a Webra .32 and MK retracts. The Skymaster looks like it may be similar. I originally bought the kit & the retracts for less than $100 NIB. The wing and tail feathers are original, the fuse is new. Great flying plane, gets lots of attention & goes waaaaaayyyyy too fast!
Kevin

vintageflyer

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OK After a long time away from building, I have got to get on with kit, so I have started a wing half today. Here it is framed up. I plan to add the retracts and servo(s) later today. I'll post more pics tonight.
I've also been thinking maybe a fixed gear taildragger version w/ a 30 4stroke and enlarged surfaces to do 3D???[X(] I can't even believe I made a joke like that Off to the town square for a proper hanging


DM

vintageflyer

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..

HankScorpio

Man, that brings back memories. I learnt to fly on a second hand MK Curare 20 that was falling apart!!! A few hard landings whilst I was learning didn't help either.
I still remember how well it flew, even in my inexperienced hands. Then after that, most other planes were a let down until I got into F3A. Wish MK would rekit all the classics. [&o]

Unfortunately this is now becoming a thing of the past, with all this ARF crap.